Next Steps for the Kitchen

After posting “before” photos of my kitchen, I decided I kinda liked the way it looked as is. Plus ya’ll gave me such wonderful feedback that it made me think twice before doing anything drastic (funny how popular opinion can change your mind). I just finished painting the ceiling, walls, bead board and trim this week … keeping everything pretty much the same color. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint can brighten a room.

Farmhouse KitchenThe walls are now a paler yellow (Vanilla Custard by Behr at Home Depot),
and Ultra White Kitchen Cabinet paint is on the trim and bead board.
The built-in cabinets have not been painted yet – they wear “Tortilla” by Martha Stewart.
I wanted the bead board more scrubbable, which is why I opted for the Kitchen Cabinet paint.

 

I love the look of open shelving as opposed to enclosed cabinets.
Yes, it means a little more dusting, but it’s worth it.
Right now this is the only wall in the kitchen with open shelving, so we’re adding more.

 

In this corner, the small shelf will be replaced by a much longer shelf.
Maybe 2 shelves if they’ll fit. You can see the beams on the ceiling here.
The ceiling is a slightly different color than the white beams – lots of detailed painting which wasn’t fun.
And yes, that’s a Christmas wreath still hanging.

 

While most of you have been tucking away your Christmas ornaments, I’ve had to leave mine out.

You see, a photographer from Country Sampler magazine is coming this week.
They’re doing a holiday photo shoot for 2013 which means my decorations stay out til they’re done.

 

The wall above the stove is also getting open shelving, but not until the magazine shoot is over.
I removed my little Christmas pines from the windows for this picture.
I had to purchase faux greenery to replace most of what’s dried out over the holidays.

Haven’t put it up yet … will do that today. Ugh!

 

Before the magazine photographer arrives, I’ll need to put the ornaments back on this scale.
Although, I think they’ll probably have their own styling ideas and will change things up.
Once Friday has come and gone, I can put away all the Christmas decor!
Until then, I’m a stressed-out mess cleaning every nook and cranny of the house.

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47 Comments

  2. Congratulations Jennifer on your magazine feature! Oh man I have to wait a whole year to see it 🙁 . Your home is beautiful and you so deserve it!I know how much you have said you love my kitchen.But yours is gorgeous too! I LOVE your old farmhouse.I have to make mine look old yours is authentic!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply

  3. I love the look of open shelving in a kitchen, too. Unfortunately, mine has a ton of cabinets right now. Someday, someday!

    How cool that your kitchen is being photographed for a magazine! 🙂

    Reply

  5. Love what you have done so far. I painted 3 shelves white last night. I just have to get my husband to help me hang them today. Your room is helping me with my inspiration for the rest of the room.

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  6. Still loving your kitchen and can’t wait to see if they change anything for the photo shoot. Take lots of note and report every detail to us.

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  7. How exciting, Jennifer! So basically you decided to paint your kitchen a week before a magazine shoot? : ) I think it looks great and other than adding in extra shelving on the wall with the wreath, I think it is looking great. The shelving will give you some great display space and storage. I can’t see that I would do much in here ~ I love it just as it looks. Good luck with the photo shoot!

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  10. Your kitchen always looks fresh and clean. Fresh paint does amazing things for a room. I am repainting some doors and trim – they get so grimy with my kids coming in and out all day every day.

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  11. Oh I LOVE Country Sampler magazine! How fun that they are coming to your place! You’ll have to let us know when you’ll be in the magazine!

    Reply

  12. JENNIFER!!!!!!!! You’re almost famous! That is very, very cool. You have to tell the whole story. And send them to Amazing Grace too. In fact, they should do an entire section devoted to our little town!

    Congratulations to you, Missy!

    And to think I knew you when…

    :o)

    Kathy

    Reply

  18. First, Congrats on the photo shoot, that is great. I love your kitchen and it is amazing what a coat of fresh paint can do to a room. It makes it crisp and clean looking.

    Cynthia

    Reply

  19. You’re a super star now, just think when the mag comes out!

    I vote yes for the longer open shelves on the one wall, and adding them on the stove wall. I think that is going to completely change the look and you’ll have it looking stylish in no time.

    Bliss

    Reply

  20. You did a great job, Jenny! :-)I love your kitchen so much. It’s beautiful. But, whatever you decide to change first, I’m sure, it will look as great as ever! 🙂

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  24. I love open shelves in the kitchen, it is so worth to dust a little bit more :-)) Your green tile floor looks so lovley!!

    Have a nice week!
    Regards/ Paula

    Reply

  25. I love your kitchen! I have been dreaming of white cabinets since we bought our home in April 2011. Perhaps someday my dream will come true. 🙂

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  29. Oh I think your kitchen is beautiful and I can’t wait to work on mine! I want to let you know that I changed my URL and Blog Title. I am afraid I have lost my followers because of it. You were following me before at JocelynesTeaParties. I am now at http://mylittlechouchou.blogspot.com if wish to continue to follow my blog. I hope you will.

    Reply

  33. Oh that is so exciting. My blog was in Romantic Homes mag this Feb, and it was the thrill of a lifetime, and I had to take my own photos. How did they find you? I love it, and you deserve it! Let us know which issue you will be in, duh, I am guessing Dec. NVM.

    Reply

  38. I’m glad you’re not making any huge changes! You have such a beautiful kitchen! And that photo shoot sounds so exciting! (And don’t tell anyone, but…we haven’t taken down any Christmas decorations yet. Even our Advent wreath is still out! Maybe this weekend. The poor tree is really dry.)

    Reply

  42. Oh, the agony and ecstasy! I bet getting ready is a bit nerve wracking, but what an exciting adventure! I hope all goes well. Congratulations!
    Liz

    Reply

  46. That is so awesome, Jennifer! I would be a total wreck and a cleaning maniac, too. From what I’ve read about other bloggers who’ve had similar experiences, just about everything gets transformed with their own staging. Personally, I think they should just leave yours as is and do the photo shoot with your things! Congratulations again!

    Carol

    Reply